The Free Access Pass to State Parks in the U.S.

So, you’re about to gear up for an exciting summer touring parks and national landmarks in your area or across the country.  That’s brilliant, but did you know you can take part in all those wonderful activities for free?  Well, it’s true and here, in this blog, we’ll tell you how to get the Free Access Pass, how you can use it, and other benefits of having it.  But first things first, here’s how to go about obtaining your free access pass:

1.  Provide documentation of your disability.  Such documentation may include a statement by your licensed physician, a document issued by a Federal agency, Social Security Disability Income or Supplemental Security Income receipts, or a document issued by a State agency relative to your disability and benefits.
2. Bring this documentation to the park of your choice (make sure to call ahead to your desired park to get all the details of their program for the Free Access Pass).

The Free Access Pass is only intended for use by citizens or permanent residents of the United States, who have been medically determined to have a permanent disability that severely limits major life activities for state park access only (as opposed to Federal Recreation sites).  This day pass is good for the pass holder plus 3 adult entrants.  The pass also provides a 50% discount on Expanded Amenity Fees such as camping, boating, guided tours, and fishing, however it does not cover special recreation permit fees or fees charged at concessions.  If you’re a caregiver, you can even get your child or loved one the access pass when you are accompanying, but only the vehicle with the pass holder is covered, so remember to be in the same car when entering the park.

This information is brought to you by NMEDA – the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association. Need some information on how to make your car wheelchair accessible or upgraded with the latest and most convenient features? Contact a NMEDA dealer in your local area. Your local NMEDA member is a mobility equipment and accessibility expert!

Reference information for this blog came from the National Park Service website.

Disability Benefits: Who Can Receive Them?

The Social Security and Supplemental Security Income disability programs are the two largest Federal programs to provide assistance to the disabled.  Social Security pays benefits to people who can’t work due to a medical condition that is expected to last at least one year or result in death.  Some particular family members of disabled workers can also receive money from Social Security.  Social Security Disability Insurance pays benefits to you and certain members of your family if you have worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes.  Supplemental Security Income provides reimbursement based on financial need.  Both programs are managed by the Social Security Administration and only individuals who have a disability and meet certain medical requirements may be eligible for benefits under either one.

Generally, to receive disability benefits, you must meet two different earnings tests:

1. A “recent work” test based on your age at the time that you became disabled
2. A “duration of work” test based on the time you worked and paid Social Security;  Certain blind(-ing/-ed) workers have to meet only this test

There are two tables to review to find out whether you meet the requirements for either program.  These tables can be found within the Social Security Administration website.

A few other tips to remember are:

–          Social Security Disability cases can drag on for a long time, so it’s especially important to apply early for these benefits. 

–          If your application has been denied, you can request a review of the decision through their (the Social Security Administration) Internet Appeal section.

Information for this blog came from the Social Security Online website.

 This blog has been brought to you by NMEDA – the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association. Need some information on how to make your car wheelchair accessible or upgraded with the latest and most convenient features? Contact a NMEDA dealer in your local area. Your local NMEDA member is a mobility equipment and accessibility expert!